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Karratha - Things to See and Do

The Western Australian township of Karratha was originally built in the 1960s to accommodate workers of nearby mines. Today the town is the busy centre of the Pilbara district, a hub for petroleum, iron and natural gas mining, and a modern township with diverse facilities.

Taking its name from the local Aboriginal word meaning ‘good country’, Karratha is situated in the heart of the scenic Central Pilbara Coast, within easy reach of the magnificent Millstream-Chichester and Karijini national parks, and the 42 islands of the spectacular Dampier Archipelago.

Karratha Information

Karratha Climate

Australia’s West Pilbara Coast has both a tropical and a semi-desert climate, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 45°C throughout the year. April through to October is the best time to visit Karratha, as the region usually experience ideal weather conditions – with winter temperatures averaging a very warm 30°C.

November through to March is cyclone season. Located in the cyclone belt of northern Western Australia, summer weather conditions in Karratha can change dramatically from day to day.

Karratha Airport

Name: Karratha AirportOpening Hours: Virgin Australia counters operate 90 mins before and 30 minutes after flight departure, during which time staff are available to process bookings and changesCar Hire: Great choice of hire cars at mates rates from our car suppliers

3 Star Property

Located in the centre of town, All Seasons Karratha is within walking distance of the main shopping centre. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a BBQ area, while Hearsons Bistro provides a pleasant al fresco dining experience.

4 Star Property

Karratha is the major centre for the mighty Pilbara and Best Western Karratha Central is right in the heart of Karratha, within walking distance of all the town's facilities.

Dining

Like most small Australian mining towns, Karratha is limited for choice when it comes to dining. Fast food shops, pub bistros and Chinese restaurants control most to the regional centre’s dining trade.

The majority of the Karratha’s eateries are focused around the township’s main drags, Welcome Road and Balmoral Road. Here Australian and international fast food chains, like MacDonald’s, Wendy’s and Eagle Boys Pizza – as well as coffee house franchise Jamaica Blue – offer widely recognised menus and quick service.

For a fun afternoon/night out, head to the Karratha Tavern, where the Bali Garden Restaurant offers Indonesian and modern Australian dishes, with the choice of over 100 premium Australian and international beers.

The Icon is classed the town’s premier food and entertainment venue, offering swanky décor, an ambient atmosphere and a menu that covers a whole host of international cuisines. Also a step away from the take away joints and pub bistros that inundate Karratha’s dining scene, Etcetera's Restaurant, at The Karratha International Hotel, offers up-market options and award-winning fine dining.

Shopping

Karratha is the shopping hub of the Pilbara – however like the area’s dining scene, the local shopping scene is also limited.

Centro Karratha is the region’s largest and most dominant shopping precinct. The centre boasts international retailers like Kmart and Target, alongside national brands such as Jeans West, Goldmark and Ed Harry, and Karratha’s most sort-after service providers including hairdressers, health services, telecommunications agents and newsagents.

The town’s main streets, Welcome Road and Balmoral Road are also dotted with a variety of retailers, such as florists, bookstores and bike repairers.

Book a Holiday

Please note

From 3 March 2015, this route will be available to book online as a one way flight for travel from 4 April 2015.